Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
6 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Dodge comes out well ahead of Tesla on reliability, and the gap is large. Fewer recalls and fewer complaints per car sold explain it. Tesla owners report forward collision avoidance trouble most, while Dodge owners mostly report electrical faults.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 2526 |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Tesla: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands, and it favors Dodge. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. Owners file 1.4 complaints per 1,000 sold for Dodge against 3.9 for Tesla, and Tesla carries 509 recalls to Dodge's 97.
Tesla's trend is improving, which helps. Its standing is still only mixed, though, while Dodge's is good and stable. The edge holds within sedans and SUVs too, where Dodge is stronger in both.
Where Dodge and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Dodge scores 29 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Dodge vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Dodge and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Tesla
Dodge vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 48/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(3 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 56/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Tesla
| Component | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%6 | 25%2,730 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 12%1,360 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%22 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 8%895 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%18 | 6%683 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 4%416 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 2%173 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 2%254 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Tesla Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 59/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 64/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 56/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 47/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 54/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 43/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 47/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 50/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 48/100(3) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Tesla?
If you want the lowest risk, lean Dodge. Target the Grand-Caravan, and favor the 2020 year. Skip the 2018 and 2019 vans, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger and Charger sedans also rate good. Watch the Hornet: it is the one mixed Dodge, with door latch failures and drained batteries. If you must have one, choose the 2023 and pass on the 2024.
If you want an electric car, go in knowing the most common Tesla complaints involve forward collision avoidance and speed control. Among Tesla models, the Cybertruck ranks first, but its record is short, and the 2024 has trim coming off at highway speeds and doors that do not latch. The 2025 and 2026 look quieter only because they are new. Skip the Model S, the weakest Tesla. If you buy one, pick the 2019 and avoid the 2021.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Tesla?
Buy Dodge unless you specifically want an electric vehicle. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Grand-Caravan, and the 2020 year is the one to favor. Independent repair-cost data also favors Dodge, with models averaging $642 a year. If you pick a Tesla, check the exact model year first, and stay away from the 2021 Model S.
Dodge vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Tesla?
Which has more recalls, Dodge or Tesla?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Tesla?
What are the most common Tesla problems?
What goes wrong most often on a Dodge?
Comparing Dodge vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Dodge and Tesla models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.